The Editorials

The Presidency has released a statement claiming that wanton killings had been with Nigerians for awhile, adding that the government is working towards enduring solutions; and should be given the opportunity to do so. This was contained in a statement released in Thursday by Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari. President Buhari in Jos, addressing service chiefs   The statement accused the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of shedding crocodile tears by declaring a mourning period for people killed in Plateau state, saying that even though more people were killed under the former ruling party, it never declared a mourning period. Releasing a list of killings under PDP which it claimed PDP did not mourn, the Presidency revealed that it was unfortunate that the killings in Plateau state over the weekend have been turned to an opportunity to once again play irresponsible politics, particularly by the PDP. Recall that

The winner of the June 2, 2018, bye election held in the Ibarapa State constituency of Oyo State, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party has been sworn in on Thursday, June 28, 2018. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin Hon.Ogundoyin, is one of the sons of late industrialist from Eruwa, Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin. He won the election conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission(INEC) to fill the position rendered vacant by the death of the late Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Michael Adeyemo, a lawyer who died on April 27, 2018 after a brief illness. Ogundoyin defeated candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr. Olukunle Adeyemo, a brother of the late Michael Adeyemo with 6,277 votes.

Abdel Rahim Mohamed, an Egyptian football commentator died after watching his country’s World Cup team suffered their third consecutive World Cup defeat in Russia. He was due to analyse Egypt 's 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia but was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack due to the poor performance of the team. A local newspaper, Egypt Today, reported that Mohamed was taken to hospital by his son after the defeat where he was pronounced dead. Abdel Mohamed who become increasingly emotional watching the game at TV studios in Cairo, later slumped after attack. The Egyptian team were dispatched from the tournament without a single point after Salem Al-Dawsari scored a 94th minute winner for the Saudi Arabia. Hector Cuper, Egypt's coach, expressed his condolences in a press conference after the match hoping that the loss is not the reason Mohamed passed away. Former goalkeeper Ahmed Fawzi said his colleague, Mohamed - who used to coach Egyptian club side Za

Members of the House of Representatives have further pushed for the passage of law to criminalise estimated billings by the electricity distribution companies ( Discos) in the country, noting that the bill when passed would subject officials of the power firms to a jail term of six months. Speaking on Wednesday at a public hearing held at the National Assembly on the “need to curb excessive electricity charges being levied on the consumers by Discos.”, the lawmakers alleged that the Discos were being operated by fraudsters and persons with the mindset to rip off Nigerians. The Wednesday session was chaired by an All Progressives Congress member from Osun State, Mr Ajibola Famurewa, where the  lawmakers disclosed that the Discos are criminally enjoying estimated and excessive billing to the detriment of Nigerians. Hon . Muazu Lawal, representing Bunmi, Bukkuyum, Federal Constituency, Zamfara state said, “It appears that the Discos and other stakeholders are not ready for the

Joe Jackson, father and early manager of the Jacksons, died at age 89, at the early hours of Wednesday, after battling with cancer. As the patriarch of the Jackson's family, he was born in 1928 and married wife Katherine in 1949. He went on to have 11 children. The late Jackson launched the career of his son Michael Jackson -- along with Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Tito -- out of Gary, Ind., as the Jackson 5 in the 1960s. The Jackson 5 signed with Berry Gordy's Motown Records, and in 1970, their first three singles ("I Want You Back," "ABC" and "The Love You Save") all went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Editorials gathered that the Micheal Jackson's father  had earlier suffered a stroke while visiting Brazil in 2015. He was later  hospitalized after a car he was riding in was involved in an accident in Las Vegas in 2017. Although Jackson was known for his iron-fisted management of his children, he later admitted that

By Dr.Mudasiru Salami First of all, I commiserate with those who have lost lives, properties, farms, homes and their source of livelihood through these recurrent ugly crises. Human life is sacred and every death diminishes us all. It is time to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Those who answer the appellations of leaders must START LEADING us out of and STOP MANAGING these recurrent crises. I will like to propose a 7-point action plan which if implemented should help us all to eliminate these crises. 1. Immediate announcement of a phased ban (within a year) on nomadism and open grazing. Ending this within a year will necessitate a complete change in approach from government at all levels MOST ESPECIALLY the federal government. This government is uniquely positioned to end this crisis and this it must urgently, as time for all manner of excuses has run out. Let’s borrow a leaf from a government that live leadership and seriousness – Qatar. Qatar was placed under a blockade by

By Natalia Rosa Ah, you're from Africa? You must know my friend Bob who lives in Gaborone." That's the oft tongue-in-cheek story Africans like to tell, to illustrate how much of the world perceives the continent - one giant landmass they know very little about. Interesting then, that in the world of tourism, there are plans afoot to create an African Tourism Board. When asked recently whether such a pan-African initiative to promote African tourism would be viable, my response was that we already battle perceptions in Africa about the continent being one country. If an Ebola outbreak happens in West Africa, South Africa feels the impact in the form of reduced tourism numbers, and yet Spain is closer to West Africa than South Africa is. One of the strengths of marketing travel to Africa is that its destinations offer so much diversity. How would an African Tourism Board even begin to market the continent as one brand when there are so many cultures, ethnici

By Ninyo Omidiji We were teenage boys and girls, with only a few in their early 20s. We had one thing in common - We were on fire! We went everywhere around us with the gospel. The town that played host to us knew we were there as we sought to leave no stone unturned! Fearlessly, We combed all the neighboring towns and villages with the message of the kingdom. We were mostly poor students from poor backgrounds. Some among us only managed to eke out a living. Yet, lack of money couldn't pose a barrier or limitation to us. We had no physical structures. No vehicles, not even a bicyle to our name as a group but we organized meetings and crusades. We did ministry and we were impactful. In our lack, we gave willingly. We had an immensely deep sense of satisfaction and godly contentment. We had nothing to hide or prove to anyone. We had fellowship among ourselves and we grew in leaps and bounds, both in number, love and in giftings. We ate our meals with gladness and sim

Op-ed by Leon Aderemi Balogun- Super Eagles Star My sister’s best friend’s mom had a best friend, and she was the sorcerer. She could read auras, or some crazy nonsense like that. I was 19 years old when I was told about her. I was trying to become a professional soccer player in Berlin — I didn’t have time for nonsense. But I had this issue … I was injury prone. Leon Balogun and Parents  Every year I felt like I would take one step forward and two steps back in my career because of the injuries. My sister, who is 13 years older than me and also my best friend, had an idea: The witch. Maybe witch is a bad term. I’m not sure. But she was a little spooky. When my sister first pitched me the idea, I sort of rolled my eyes, like, Yeah … I’m sure she’ll know what’s wrong with me. “No, Leon,” she’d say to me, “She sees things.” “Fine, fine. Let’s give it a try.” Let’s meet the sorcerer. She was a middle-aged Russian woman. She didn’t look like much of a witch, or an oracle

Ahmed Musa the match winner for Nigeria's Super Eagles, has given the credit of his performance to the support he got his team mate. Ahmed Musa dribbles Iceland's goalie to score his second goal  The attacker who was also tagged as the hero of Nigeria for the brilliant double he got against the national team of Iceland at the second match in the Russian 2018 World Cup, revealed that he has put the celebration behind and focused on the next match against Argentina. He said " I thanked my colleagues for their support. I thanked my Manager who used me because he believed in me. I have finished my celebrations, I am strictly thinking about the next match now. Finally, I thanked Mr President who has been speaking to us on phone."

Following the outstanding performance of the Super Eagles at the ongoing Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, resulting in a 2-0 victory over Iceland in their second match on Friday,  President Muhammadu Buhari had commended the national team for not disappointing Nigerians. President Muhammadu Buhari In a statement released by Femi Adesina, Special Assistant to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, the President expressed particular delight at the confidence, discipline, team-work and indomitable spirit displayed by the young Nigerian players. President Buhari however urged them not to limit themselves but sustain the current winning momentum by going all out against their last group opponent, Argentina, next week. Buhari in the statement said, “I am confident that if our players believe in themselves, they can qualify out of their difficult group and even go very far in the tournament,” adding that “with determination, nothing is impossible. He further urged all Nigerians to

Atwine Allen Leading media and entertainment consultancy firm in Africa,  Cornel Media Consult , CMC , has  over the years stand test of time, going by the volume and scale of feats it has achieved , shunning out stars, winning important local and international honours and staying industry relevant. Ambassador Cornel Udofia, founder CMC  The firm was founded by Amb. Cornell Udofia, a Media & PR Strategist, and Publicist per excellence, with over 100 local and international awards and recognitions credited to him, since the firm took off in 2005. The Peace Ambassador through his firm has over the years, used his media network to empower and support the youths and women in Nigeria and world at large in the entertainment industry, business ,politics, economics, Agriculture, security, Business, Education, Law Medicine. The firm has also made impact by producing stars and celebrities in industry such as Comedy,Fashion,Modelling,Movies,Music,Photography and Sports. CMC n

Hundred of young Nigerians, on Wednesday besieged the  headquarter of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Abuja,  to submit applications for foreign scholarships being offered by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). Their application was however rejected by the authorities at the transport ministry on the condition that no such opportunities exist. Convinced that the ministry’s officials were not saying the truth, the youths staged a protest, blocking major entrance of the ministry. The youths who later discovered that the officials were trying to restrict the scholarship opportunities to their own nominees, later marched on the office of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to protest the alleged manipulation. But security officers attached to the ministry denied the applicants entry into the premises where the minister’s office is located. However, in response to the tension caused by the protest, Sabiu Zakari , the Permanent Secretary

The Oyo , Ebonyi and Edo states are the three States in the Southern part of Nigeria, out the 10 states selected by the Federal Government for take-off of the first phase of the national ranching project. Other states are Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Taraba, Zamfara, and Plateau states. Recall that on Tuesday, June 19, the National Economic Council (NEC) chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, approved a 10-year National Livestock Plan, which will cost about N179 billion, being part of recommendations of NEC's sub-committee headed by David Umahi, Ebonyi State Governor, on herdmen- farmer’s clash across the country. Dr. Andrew Kwasari,  Secretary of the NEC Sub-Committee, speaking on the National Livestock  Transformation Plan, revealed that the Federal Government and states would spend N70bn in the first three years of the pilot phase of the programme. He further revealed that the N179bn would be spent over a period of 10 years on the national livestock implementat

Comrade Gbolahan Yusuf, aspirant for the Lagos State House of Assembly, on the platform of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress, APC, (Alimosho Constituency 1) has commended President Buhari for the final assent on the 2018 Appropriation Bill on Wednesday,  June 20, 2018. Comrade Gbolahan Yusuf, Lagos Assembly Aspirant , Alimosho constituency 1 He also chided the National Assembly over the delay in the passage of the bill. Increasing the budget from N8.6 trillion to N9.120 trillion due to insertion on the part of the National Assembly, according to him, is a bad omen on the business of governance. Speaking further, Comrade Gholahan, who is also the Director of CAYO foundation,  revealed that the bill tagged: Budget of Consolidation 2018, irrespective of the delay in the passage and assent, has the capacity to solve critical issues affecting the country. He however urged the relevant Ministries, departments and agencies of government to demonstrate patriotism

The Christian Association of Nigeria has demanded justice on behalf of hundred of Christians in Southern Kaduna, Benue, Taraba and Plateau states in the North-central geo-political zones, and  Enugu state in the South, this is against the backdrop of Court judgement passed on five( 5) Christians who killed a herdsmen, in Adamawa. CAN President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, made the call in a statement signed by the Special Assistant, Media and Communications to the CAN President, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, on Tuesday in Abuja. CAN also raises alarm over reports that the Federal Government has allegedly directed the Nigerian Army and Police to recruit some former members of Boko Haram terrorists who recently underwent deradicalisation programme. “If it is true, CAN condemns such a policy in strong terms and ask the Federal Government, especially security agencies, to withdraw such directive which is capable of compromising the nation’s security system,” he said. The Christian body h

A truck loaded with boards and plywood veered off Ojuelegba bridge and emptied its content on three commercial buses and a Toyota Corolla Camry, killing two passengers and wounding many. This was confirmed by Adesina Tiamiyu, General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). According to him, the accident occurred at 8.p.m, as two persons died when a truck loaded with boards and plywood tilted on the Ojuelegba Bridge, Surulere, Lagos State late on Tuesday. The remnants of the plywood were being cleared LASEMA and other security officials, to ease vehicular movement in the area. Tiamiyu said, “A flat bed truck laden with plywood and finished boards tilted on top of Ojuelegba bridge and fell on three commercial buses and a Toyota Corolla Camry. “Unfortunately, two people died while two other people sustained injuries but what we are doing now is recovery. “We have removed the vehicles from the road and we have also taken the trucks off the bridge. “We ar

Frontline leader of Obasanjo’s African Democratic Congress(ADC) Prince  Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, former Ondo state Governor, and members of Oyo State APC Unity forum on Monday in a separate meetings with the former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rasidi Ladoja discussed political alignment in the southwest states ahead of 2019  general elections. Prince Oyinlola, Dr.Mimiko, APC Unity forum at Ladoja's home At the meeting held at Ondo street, Bodija, Ibadan home of the former governor Rashidi Ladoja, the former Oyo state Governor’s team including former secretary to the Oyo state government, Barr. Sharafadeen Alli, Senator Femi Lanleyin, PDP leaders in Oyo State, Otunba Yemi Aderibigbe, Barrister Bayo Lawal, Dr. Nureni Adeniran,  Engineer Nureni Adisa, Arch Bashiru Lawal and Hon. Bimbo Adepeju joined the visiting politicians. Oyinlola who arrived at Ladoja's house around 9:am on Monday told Daily Trust that the meeting was not political.  He said: "

As fans from all over the world come together to embrace the beautiful game of football, Russian women in need for sexual pleasure have been instructed to satisfy their cravings with football fans in the country. Trending picture of football fans kissing in public at the ongoing World Cup competition in Russia Mikhail Degtyaryov, Russian MP gave this encouragement to horny local women in the country, urging them to disregard comments from his colleague, MP Tamara Pletnyova, the head of the State Duma’s Family, Women and Children Committee, warning against raising non-Russian children as single mothers. Recall that the competition which started in June 14, is hosting more than half a million fans from across the world in 11 Russian cities, who will be enjoying the world cup party and celebration. The Russian MP charged  local women to make babies with visiting fans as their children would be proud when they grow up. He said , “ The more love stories we have connected to

As part of design to bequeath a world class transportation system and enhance connectivity of people across Lagos State, the Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration has ordered 820 new buses being part of  5,000 new buses  take off of the Bus Reform Initiative of the government later in the year. The buses have been arriving in batches across the recently commissioned Bus Terminals in the state, adorned in their impressive blue and white colour.  The acclaimed environmental- friendly capacity buses, are said to be equipped with modern facilities to bring about comfort and seamless travelling experience along the dedicated routes. According to Governor Ambode, the 5,000 new buses under the BRT scheme, are expected to transform the public transport system. He stated that benefit of the scheme is remarkable as  other components of the improved transport system, such as modern bus terminals, bus depots, bus stops and segregated laybys are already springing up in strategic locations ac

OREDOLA ADEOLA | Shawwal moon (Eid Al Fitr) was sighted on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 3:43pm from the top of Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, which signals the end of Ramadan fasting, hence Friday June 15 has been declared as 1439, Eld El-Fitri (Ramadan festival). In a report obtained by this news platform, Shawwal crescent was sighted by a team of astronomer who used astrophotography during daylight by the International Astronomical Center (IAC). The astronomers are Mohamed Odeh, Ibrahim Ghenaimat, Khalfan Al Nuaimi, Osama Ghannam, Sameh Al  Ashi and Mahmoud Alwan. In Nigeria, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, informed Nigerian Muslim Ummah that Friday, June 15, 2018 is the Eid-el-Fitri.  He announced the sighting of the new moon of the month Shawwal in a broadcast in his palace, Sokoto on Thursday. According to him, the crescent was sighted in parts of Sokoto, Zaria, Nasarawa,

As parts of efforts to end issues related to estimated billing system in the power sector, the Federal Government is planning to operationalise the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) regulation using the N37billion Seed Fund provided by the government, to close the metering gap in the sector. Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Power, Works and Housing disclosed this at the 28th monthly meeting of operators in the electricity industry, held at Mando Transmission Station, Mando, Kaduna State. According to him, the measure, coupled with move by the legislative arm of government to  criminalise estimated billing in the power sector, would help to stamp out the controversial estimated billing system in the power sector, in order to earn consumers’ confidence. The Minister further stated that the measures are taken, in view of instances of estimated billing, which have become major cause of distrust to customers in the power sector. He however charged the DisCos to take advantage of th

Atwine Allen The career of fast rising Nollywood actress, Jane Thomas Rogers, who rose on the back of her successful outings in movie produced by Gabriel Okotie aka Gabby, has continued to gather momentum.  The outstanding character that she displayed in the movie earned her roles in other award winning movies including Magarwata, Tsirin (Hausa Films) e.t.c, all produced in Kaduna state. Jane, an Accounting graduate of Lagos State University( LASU) is also a prodigy of the UN Peace Ambassador and multiple award winning Publicist -Ambassador Cornel Udofia. Her superb acting skill has earned her several acting roles within the circles of the entertainments big wigs, sharing expertise with star actor including Clem Ohameze in the movie Mechanic Workshop. Eze Nworo, Ernest Asuzu, Lilian Okolie on the set of "the Boon of Being Righteous.  Burin Duniya, wedding nights, Tsaka, palm tree, comedy skits with Baba de Baba etc. As the age long maxim states, 'When a child

Ochereome Nnanna, the Vanguard newspaper columnist who slandered the Yorubas on Facebook last Friday, has appealed to all Yoruba people to forgive and forget his indiscretion for comments he made on social media. Nnanna Nnanna referred to the Yorubas as “Sophisticated Morons” while reacting to President Muhammadu Buhari’s conferment of GCFR on late MKO Abiola, winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. In a statement, the chairman of Vanguard’s editorial board,  said, “I wish to humbly appeal to all Yoruba people to please forgive and forget my indiscretion on my Facebook comment on Friday, 9th June 2018 which, understandably sparked off widespread outrage. "I never imagined in my wildest dream that an offhand remark could provoke an anger of volcanic dimension which has threatened my career and Vanguard Newspapers as an institution. “ The offensive comment did not come out the way I intended it - as familial joke - but as an adult I am solely responsible f